APPLYING THE PERFECT BLUSH

1

Moisturise first. Dry or oily skin doesn’t “hold” makeup well so make sure your skin is well prepped before you get started. Applying a primer will also help to ensure your blush stays put all day.

2

Choose the right shade. The key is to choose a colour that’s close to your natural flush. Pinch your cheeks and then go with the shade that best matches the glow.

Light pinks are best for pale skin, peachy shades for light to medium skin, brighter pinks work well on olive skin and apricot and coral blushes are good on darker skins.

3

Blend, blend, blend. Use a damp sponge or a relatively stiff brush to blend your blush into your face – it’s vital that you work it in well because the key to good blush is that it’s there but subtle enough to be almost invisible. If you get it wrong and look more clown than cool, take your blush down a step by applying sheer foundation over it.

4

When to skip the shimmer. If you’re prone to breakouts, don’t use a cream blush – it will only highlight the bumps. A lightly applied powder base is a better idea.

5

Think out, not up. Austrian makeup guru Monika Blunder, founder of the Monika Blunder Beauty line, says a rule of thumb when applying blush is to place it on the apples of your cheeks and blend slightly outwards instead of upwards.

“By doing this you pull the colour and therefore the shape of your cheeks out slightly, giving it a fresh and youthful look.”